Elbow Injuries

Home Treatment

Most minor injuries will heal on
their own, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve your
symptoms and promote healing. But if you suspect that you have a more severe
injury, use first aid measures while you arrange for an evaluation by your
doctor.

First aid for a suspected broken bone

If a bone is sticking out of your skin, do not
try to push it back into your skin. It is better to leave the bone alone and
cover the area with a clean bandage.

Remove all rings, bracelets, watches,
or any other jewelry from the injured arm immediately. It may be hard to
remove the jewelry if swelling occurs, which in turn can cause other serious
problems, such as nerve compression or restricted blood flow.

Splint your injured arm without trying to straighten
it. Loosen the wrap around the splint if you develop signs that indicate the
wrap is too tight, such as numbness, tingling, increased pain, swelling, or
cool skin below the wrap. A problem called
compartment syndrome can develop.

If a cast or splint is applied, it is important to keep it
dry and to try to move the uninjured part of your arm as normally as possible
to help maintain muscle strength and tone. Your doctor will give you
instructions on how to
care for your cast or splint.